DINERS can find out the food hygiene standards of restaurants, cafés or takeaways in Solihull without stepping over the threshold, thanks to a new online star rating service.

Solihull Council has joined a national scheme which sees environmental health teams publishing the ratings they give food outlets following hygiene inspections.

All 850 businesses selling food in the borough have been given a rating from zero to five stars. Zero is the lowest given by inspectors who found poor hygiene standards in kitchens, a lack of policies to comply with food safety laws and low confidence in the management team.

Five stars are awarded to outlets who have proved they are operating clean and well-run premises.

Among those to have been hit with zero stars is Suko Thai Restaurant, in Stratford Road, Shirley, following an inspection in December 2009.

But manager Pason Choonpicharn said: “I’m horrified by this. When we had the inspection I was only told that we needed to repaint the walls and replace the plastic flooring.

“As far as I was concerned there was nothing said about our food being unhygienic, I admit the kitchen is not brand spanking new but we clean thoroughly every day and we have very loyal customers.

“Local businesses like ours already struggle in the current economic climate. The council is making it even harder for us to trade.”

Jade Gardens, a Chinese food retailer in Hobs Moat Road, Elmdon, also received zero stars following its inspection last September, while Indian take-away Sugar & Spice in Gospel Lane, Olton, was given no stars following a visit in January last year. Neither of the premises were available for comment.

Those who have clinched a top rating of five stars include Nando’s and Pizza Hut, both in Stratford Road, Shirley, and Wagamama in Mill Lane Arcade.

Coun Len Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said: “Customers will now be able to make an informed choice about where they eat and where they buy their food.

“This scheme is a great way to reward those businesses who maintain the highest standards of hygiene while encouraging others to improve.”